September 25, 2025
Today in the Legislature, the Nova Scotia Liberal Caucus will table three bills to support renewable energy growth, modernize the power grid, and make life more affordable for families.
“Nova Scotians want a clean, affordable, and reliable energy future,” said Interim Leader Derek Mombourquette. “These bills are about accountability and action. We can’t reach our climate targets or keep power bills fair if the government keeps ignoring expert advice, cancelling successful programs, and dragging its feet on transmission upgrades.”
The Transmission Modernization Act, tabled by Mombourquette, would require Nova Scotia Power to upgrade long-range transmission lines to a 138-kilovolt standard. The bill creates a clear plan to improve reliability, unlock new renewable projects, and attract outside investment. Right now, the grid isn’t keeping up with population growth or the Premier’s offshore wind promises — without upgrades, clean power simply can’t reach homes and businesses.
The SolarHomes Program Funding Act, also tabled by Mombourquette, would reopen the SolarHomes program and secure long-term funding so families can keep lowering their energy costs with clean power. A recent Freedom of Information request revealed the Houston government abruptly shut the program down despite staff recommending it continue. SolarHomes offered rebates of up to $3,000, helping thousands of families cut their bills and emissions.
The Virtual Power Plant Act, tabled by House Leader Iain Rankin, would set up a licensing system for virtual power plants — following the lead of Alberta and other provinces. These networks link solar, wind, batteries, and heat pumps across many homes and businesses into a single system that can ease demand on the grid and lower costs.
“These bills are about taking practical steps now,” said Rankin. “Nova Scotians are already investing in things like solar and heat pumps. These bills would let those tools work together to stabilize the grid and keep costs down. Other provinces are moving on this. There’s no reason Nova Scotia can’t be too.”